Barry Bennell charged with nine sexual offences

Former football coach Barry Bennell has been charged with nine sexual offences.

Bennell, who is being held at HMP Littlehey in Cambridgeshire, appeared via videolink at Warrington Magistrates' Court on Monday.

The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) said the charges against the 66-year-old, also known by his new name Richard Jones, relate to two complainants.

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A review was conducted into a file of evidence from Cheshire Police "relating to allegations of non-recent child sexual abuse", leading to the CPS' decision to charge.

Geoff Fryar, head of the Complex Casework Unit of CPS Mersey Cheshire, said on Monday: "The Crown Prosecution Service can confirm that Richard Jones, aka Barry Bennell, today (18/5/2020) appeared at Warrington Magistrates’ Court via video link from HMP Littlehey.

"At the hearing Jones, 66, was charged with nine sexual offences in relation to two complainants.

"He has been charged with one count of buggery (S12 Sexual Offences Act 1956) and six counts of indecent assault (S15 Sexual Offences Act 1956) in relation to one complainant and two counts of buggery ( S12 Sexual Offences Act 1956) in relation to the second complainant.

"The CPS made the decision to charge Mr Bennell, a former football coach, after reviewing a file of evidence from Cheshire Police relating to allegations of non-recent child sexual abuse.

"The Crown Prosecution Service reminds all concerned that criminal proceedings against Barry Bennell are now active and he has a right to a fair trial.

"It is extremely important that there should be no reporting, commentary or sharing of information online which could in any way prejudice these proceedings."

During his involvement in football, Bennell was a scout for Manchester City and a coach for Crewe Alexandra.